Valencia excited to work with Van Gaal after signing new deal

Antonio Valencia has committed his future to Manchester United by signing a new three-year contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2017.

The Ecuadorian international, who is currently captaining his country at the World Cup, said it has been a "dream" to play for United and cannot wait to play for new manager Louis van Gaal.

Valencia, who joined from Wigan in 2009 for £17 million, was named United's player-of-the-year in 2012 and has won two Premier League titles during his five-year stay.

"My time at Manchester United has been like a dream come true. To be the first Ecuadorian player to win the English Premier League was a very proud moment for me and for my country," Valencia told the club's official official website.

"I am so happy to have signed a new deal and am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal. There is great team spirit within the club and we are all determined to get back to winning ways."

Valencia, who has scored 21 goals in 191 games for United, will have been at the club for eight years if he sees out his new contract.

And assistant manager Ryan Giggs said: "I'm really pleased Antonio has signed a new contract. His contribution to the team since he joined the club in 2009 has been fantastic.

"Antonio is a very powerful player with great speed and versatility. He is very professional in his approach to training and I am delighted he has committed his future to the club."